By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
The Association of Health Professionals has initiated a nationwide strike today (March 18) in protest against the administration’s decision to reduce allowances for paramedical professionals under its first budget.
The walkout, which started at 7.00 a.m. today, is being conducted throughout all hospitals countrywide, with the backing of multiple labour unions. Seven unions from the Joint Federation of Paramedic Professionals and eleven unions from the Joint Front of Paramedic Services have pledged their support.
According to Co-Leader of the Academy of Health Professionals Upul Rohana, the strike was declared following failed discussions held yesterday (March 17) with Ministry of Finance representatives.
However, Chalith Amaradiwakara, the Co-Representative of the Joint Federation of Paramedic Professionals, has deemed the strike unreasonable, signaling a division in views among paramedic trade unions.
Meanwhile, the Joint Postal Trade Union Front has affirmed that its ongoing postal workers’ strike will persist today, as talks remain inconclusive.
Co-Convenor of the association Chinthaka Bandara stated that since the strike began the previous day, more than one million letters and parcels have accumulated in post offices nationwide.
However, Jagath Mahinda, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Postal Services Association, has asserted that the strike has been largely ineffective, further widening the divide within the postal trade unions.
